Prevention, Donation & Reuse

Preventing waste, or source reduction, is the first step in zero waste. Recycling and composting manage waste after it is generated, but waste prevention reduces the amount of materials generated in the first place. Waste prevention means taking advantage of reduction, reuse, and donation opportunities to get the most environmental and economic benefit possible.

Polysterene Foodware Ordinance

As of October 1, 2015, Arcata stores and food providers can no longer sell or dispense Styrofoam containers or coolers. This includes polystyrene foam cups, bowls, plates, trays, cartons, coverings, hinged or lidded clamshell containers and foam coolers which are not completely encased in more durable materials. The new law applies to any person, group or business dispensing food or drink, regardless of whether they are charging for it, and any business selling polystyrene foam food containers or ice chests.

Polystyrene foam crumbles into small pieces and is easily blown into streets and waterways that flow to Arcata creeks and Humboldt Bay. Birds, fish and wildlife often mistake the particles for food, causing impaired intestinal tracts and sometimes starvation and death.

Alternative food containers are available in paper and plastic, and reusable containers have also been gaining in popularity. Items excluded from the ordinance include pre-packaged foods such as raw eggs and meat, and ramen noodles packaged in a foam cup. For more information about the polystyrene ordinance please refer to the Polystyrene Ordinance FAQs (PDF).

Reusable Bag Ordinance

Retail stores may not provide single-use plastic carryout bags to customers. Plastic carryout bags are banned. Customers may bring their own reusable bags or purchase reusable bags from stores.Paper bags must contain a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content, be 100% recyclable, and show other information. See the Reusable Bag Ordinance (PDF).

Reusable bags must be made of machine-washable fabric, be able to carry 22 pounds 125 times over a distance of 175 feet and not contain heavy metals in toxic amounts.

Paper or plastic bags provided for use inside the store to package bulk items such as fruit, nuts, grains, candy or small hardware items; wrapped meat or frozen foods; as well as covered bakery goods, etc. are allowed.

The Reusable Bag Ordinance applies to all retail establishments in the City of Arcata including all stores that generate sales or use tax pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law.